POSTDOC POSITION in Using human pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models to study Alzheimer disease pathogenesis in vitro

Department Department of Histology and Embryology – Faculty of Medicine

Deadline 29 Feb 2020

Start date March/April 2020 or upon agreement but no later than by 30th November 2020

Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic invites excellent scientists to apply for POSTDOC POSITION in Using human pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models to study Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis in vitro

Description:

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly population worldwide. The current body of research supports the concept that protein aggregation initiates the onset of AD. However, in spite of a large number of available literature and studies, a mechanism of pathogenesis initiation and potential treatment for AD remains elusive. Our laboratory has recently derived a number of iPSC lines from patients with familial and sporadic forms of AD. We have also implemented a method for the generation of cerebral organoids from human iPSCs. Using this model, as well as other relevant differentiation strategies (iPSC-derived neural stem cells and neurons), we aim to test hypothetical mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. In collaboration with partners from Masaryk University Brno, Czechia as well as other partners in Europe (Max Planck Institute, Germany; Aarhus University, Denmark; Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands) we will test several hypotheses of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and use current state-of-the-art methodologies such as single-cell sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9, etc. We believe that proposed strategy will bring a new perspective to the field of Alzheimer’s disease research.

Team/Workplace:

Mentor: Dáša Bohačiaková (Doležalová), Ph.D., Assistant Professo 
Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, MU

The overall goal of my research is to understand the mechanisms of neural induction and differentiation and use this knowledge to model CNS-related diseases. To achieve this, I chose to focus on human pluripotent stem cell biology and use stem cells as a main in vitro model of my research. Specifically, my group is interested in 1) understanding molecular mechanisms that underlie the differentiation of hPSCs to (clinical grade) neural stem cells, as well as to mature neurons; 2) building a portfolio of neurodifferentiation research models including 2D and 3D stem-cell-based models, such as cerebral organoids; and 3) in vitro disease modeling using patient’s specific iPSCs. Our research results were published in a number of journals with high visibility in stem cell community including Stem Cell Reports, Stem Cells, Blood, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Research & Therapy, and Stem Cells & Development. I have also co-authored several publications in high-profile journals including Science Translational Medicine (2018) and Nature Genetics (2019). A full list of publications can be found here. My group currently consists of one full-time post-doctoral researcher, one full time and one part-time research technician, two Ph.D. students, and one undergraduate student.

The laboratory of mentor and the team, Department of Histology and Embryology, is located on the University campus in Brno. The Department is well-recognized center for embryonic stem cell research in the Czech Republic and besides others, includes also closed facility for hESC culture with numerous unmodified hESC and iPSC lines, several GFP and RFP tagged hESC lines, and number of hESC-derivatives, including neural stem cells. The laboratory/facility is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for A) cell cultures (6 CO2 incubators, 6 biohazard hoods, WiCell cell analyzer, inverted and stereo microscopes, warm plates, etc.); B) immunochemistry (electrophoretic and protein transfer units, high-speed and ultracentrifuges, baths, confocal microscope, etc.); C) recombinant DNA work (bacterial incubator, qPCR cycler, electrophoretic units and power supplies, electroporator, nucleofector, spectrophotometer, luminometer, liquid scintilation counter, gel dryer, transluminator, sequence analysis software, etc.); D) general laboratory work (ultrapure water supply, autoclave, -80oC freezers, N2 containers, equipment for handling radioisotopes, networked computers, etc.); E) flow cytometry and cell sorting (Beckman); F) live-cell imaging system (CellR, Olympus); G) microarray system (Affymetrix); H) gamma irradiation (automated Cs137 irradiator); I) transmission and scanning electron microscopes;

The successful candidate should:

• be a researcher who has received a Ph.D. or its equivalent within the last 7 years
• be a researcher who has worked at least two whole years in the last three outside the territory of the Czech Republic in the field of research with a working time of at least 0.5 full-time equivalent, or who has been Ph.D. student (or equivalent) abroad
• have a publishing record – in the last three years at least two publication outputs registered in the Thomson Reuters Web of Science, Scopus or ERIH PLUS databases and at the same time publications such as “articles”, “books”, “book chapters”, “letters” and “reviews”.

Specific criteria can be filled, i.e.:

• be naturally interested in solving challenging scientific questions and learning new techniques
• have experience in the field of molecular and cell biology
• experience in microbiology and/or bioinformatics is a plus
• have experience with research projects (an advantage)
• have excellent communication skills, the ability to collaborate in teams as well as work independently and finish research tasks on time

The application should include:

• a CV including a summary of education and research experience, publication activity, involvement in research grants, etc.
• a scanned copy of the Ph.D. diploma or an official letter certifying submission of a doctoral thesis for thesis defence and the planned defence date
• a motivation letter
• at least two reference letters

MU offers the opportunity to get:

• an interesting job in a dynamically-expanding university area
• diverse and challenging work in an excellent research environment
• tenure track with an initial appointment for 2 years
• a professional team and pleasant working conditions
• interaction with leading scientists in an inspiring, internationalised environment
• a welcoming service for the successful candidate and his/her family

Anticipated start date: The position is available from March/April 2020 or upon agreement but no later than by 30th November 2020.

The submission deadline is 29th February 2020.

Please submit your application by e-mail to vrablikova@med.muni.cz

A review of applications will commence immediately after the deadline. Short-listed candidates will be invited for interview within one month of the deadline.

Further information about:

• Postdoc@MUNI is available at http://postdoc.muni.cz
• Masaryk University is available at https://www.muni.cz/en
• Brno is available at https://www.gotobrno.cz/en/